How-To

We’re never ones to turn down an opportunity for a smoky eye, but we have to admit that sometimes what looks amazing on a set of big, doe-like eyes doesn’t translate for the girls who have less eyelid to work with. Enter: the reverse smoky eye. Take the smoked out shadow that accentuates big eyes and flip it upside-down. Okay, there’s a little more to it than that, but that’s what celeb makeup artist Lauren Andersen is for. Below, she shares her insider secrets on creating a flawless “reverse” smoky eye, perfect for those with small eyes, hooded eyelids, and monolids.

Keep reading to see the four-step tutorial!

Before

You won’t need to start with anything more than minimal makeup —

this reverse smoky eye will definitely be the focus of your look.

Step One: Apply Light Eye Shadow

All of the drama will be concentrated on your lower lid, but to prevent the top lid from looking like an afterthought,

add a little shine with a pale shimmery shadow. Pack it on to your lid using a flat brush.

It might seem like everyone around you is coming down with a cold- so it might seem like a better idea to stay home and watch House of Cards for the rest of your life. That sounds lovely. If you figure out a way to do that, let me know. In the mean time, I have a homemade herbal remedy that will boost your immune system and help fight off germs. Behold – the Fire Cider. This tangy tincture includes garlic, horseradish, hot peppers, onions, turmeric and apple cider. All the ingredients, finely chopped and combined in a mason jar, stand and ferment for about two weeks. The strained liquid is called Fire Cider. It is one of nature’s strongest antibiotics as well as an anti-fungal and anti-viral remedy.

A couple of words about the natural properties of the ingredients:

Apple Cider – a good source of vitamin C and acetic acid. It contains mineral salts, amino acids, helps with digestion and washes out toxins. (If you read my Bone Broth recipe, you know the importance of using apple cider to draw out nutrients from other foods).

Garlic – treats high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fungal infections, and helps regulate blood sugar. It is also great for boosting the immune system.

Now the taste of Fire Cider may at first be surprising. It has a strong kick to it and the first unsuspecting spoonful made my eyes water. Personally, I happen to love the apple cider vinegar taste and the potency makes it seem like the germs and bacteria are burning away. Start with a tablespoon a day, and slowly work your way up to a small 1 oz shot. Take once daily as a prophylactic and immune strengthening aid. Increase intake slightly if you are actually under the weather, but remember to still work your way up to the full dose. Bottoms up!!

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Recipe:

4 cups organic apple cider (raw is better if you can find it)

¼ cup finely chopped garlic

½ finely chopped onion

¼ cup grated ginger

¼ cup grated horseradish

2 fresh hot peppers (habanera, or cayenne work well)

2 tbsp turmeric powder

Preparation:

1. Combine and mix all ingredients (except for vinegar) in a bowl.

2. Transfer the ingredients into a Mason jar, and add apple cider vinegar.

3. Place a piece of parchment paper over the jar, before placing the lid on. This will prevent rusting.

4. Shake vigorously.

5. Place the jar in a cool place, and let stand for at least 2 weeks. Make sure to give it a good shake a few times a day.

6. After 2 weeks, strain the liquid using a metal strain.

7. Refrigerate in an airtight container. The tonic will last for up to 6 months.

A select group of people in the universe- early birds, we’re looking at you- actually become excited for the morning when all is quiet and a full day ahead awaits (cue birds chirping and Pharrell’s “Happy” soundtrack). But even the most put-together gal can secretly become disheveled as soon as her alarm clock blares.

If you fall into the latter category and your daybreak routine is a bit less magical and more manic, let us be the bearers of good news: it can only get better. With a morning routine inspired by Emily Shriner in her recent shoot with editorial extraordinaire Kim Genevieve, you’ll soon find out there’s an easier way to start your morning sunny side up. Read on for our tips and tricks to start your day off on the right foot, and 8 a.m. will be looking almost as good as happy hour.

Sometimes the actual act of waking up is the hardest part. Simple fix? Let some natural light sneak through your shades when the sun rises rather than having to get up and open your current go-to double-backed blackout curtains. While you may already be relying on it as the best light to snap a selfie in, subtle natural light actually helps you rise refreshed and ready to go. If your bedroom feng shui doesn’t include a window for morning light, try investing in a dawn simulator alarm clock that relies on gradual light to wake you up – rather than the jolting buzzer of your current iPhone alarm. We’re fans.

After gracefully easing out of your beauty sleep, you’re en route to the ladies room to work on that actual beauty. Aside from being a platform for your next T. Swift rendition, the shower can also help boost productivity for the rest of the day. Some of your best thinking can be done in the shower, this we know, but visually planning out things like your #OOTD can be just as rewarding as belting out the chorus of Blank Space.

Speaking of breakfast, they don’t call it the most important meal of the day for nothing. Even just a bite or sip of the right thing can rev up your metabolism and keep you on track for the day. We’re not saying break up with your beloved Starbucks latte (but maybe we are). Cutting back on your caffeine intake to make room for real nutrients might just be a step in the right direction: too many cups of coffee actually trigger a dependence on caffeine, making you more and more dependant on it in order to wake up refreshed. Try swapping out a cup of joe for a smoothie or steaming mug of green tea in the a.m.; you (and your wallet) will likely thank us later.

The next step in your morning beauty rituals requires taming that mane. Every girl knows that when you have a good hair day, it’s pretty much guaranteed that a good day will follow. If only there was a formula (or an app) for that. Until then, we’ll make it more of a recurring pattern by investing in simple, old-school curlers, perfect for fighting frizz and breakage that too often accompanies curling irons and blow driers.

Another weapon in our arsenal is dry shampoo: the go-to tool for creating that perfectly-blow dried illusion. If you’ve used up all of your allotted non-hair wash days, there are a bunch of wet-to-dry hairstyles that you can actually pull off without looking like you’re auditioning for an Orange Is The New Black episode. We love a messy bun or a chic chignon, both of which air dry nicely into tousled waves for an “I’m born with it” effortless look.

Next up: put on your game face! What better way to wake up out of your morning slump than with a fierce lipcolor? Applying a bold red lip immediately awakens your face and elevates any outfit in a matter of seconds. Can any other product in your makeup bag accomplish that?

Adding some color to your wardrobe can also brighten up your mood for the day. While you may naturally gravitate to the black section of your closet, try and liven things up with some bold colors and fun patterns. And if you want to keep things looking polished, we love a structured jacket that serves as a 2-for-1 statement piece. Especially now that the forecast is gray, a pop of color will keep you singing long after the shower.

Before stepping out the door it might be be tempting to log onto Facebook and Instagram first thing, but save those social media feeds for your lunch hour. Says Jocelyn Glei, editor of Manage Your Day-to-Day, it’s best focus your energy on your most creative tasks at hand first thing in the morning, while our reactionary tasks (responding to your incredibly intimidating list of unread emails) should wait until later.

Getting caught in the rain, missing a new episode of Glee, not being born a Kardashian: these are things (we’d like to think) are out of our control. Something that’s not: having a camera-ready complexion.

A healthy glow may be the last thing on your mind in the cold winter months. But if you think that wintertime gives you a free pass when it comes to the clear skin department, think again! As a model knows best, you can’t hide under a hat or behind a pair of aviators when it’s time for a photoshoot on, say, the beach. And who wants to turn down a chance to spend some time behind the lens in the sand and sun?

Our girls Sydney Schafer and Sakura looked (in the words of Queen Bey) flawless in their recent tropical shoot with one of our favorite photographer duos, Melis and Dainon. Aside from having a top-notch photography team on their side, what’s their secret? It lies in the skin care! In the interest of shopping local, all of our featured products have been selected from LA-based spa and skincare brand, Ole Henriksen.

For a girl on the go it’s important to find products that fit easily into your routine. Since we love all of you so much, we’ve decided to give you the ultimate cheat sheet to achieving enviable skin. Start now, and come spring break, you won’t even be needing an Instagram filter to look your best.

Jet Setting

A day in the life of a model is never boring; sometimes, you’ll wake up at home and be in a new time zone by dinner time. To keep travel light without having to sacrifice your skin, try throwing in the Clean Truth Cleansing Cloths, which will fit perfectly in your carry-on. When you land, spray on some refreshing Cucumber Face Mist to refresh and revitalize (and combat the jet lag).

Afternoon Pick Me Up

Move over Starbucks latte; it’s time to make room for a new afternoon essential. A face tonic is a must-have after a morning or midday workout, which oftentimes leaves our pores clogged and looking dirty. This face tonic is grease-free (score!) and will leave you feeling renewed, replenished and ready to tackle the second half of your day with ease.

Sleeping Beauty

Bedtime is the most crucial time for getting your skin in check. Unwind after a long day with a lavender body oil – a scent that has been proven to increase relaxation and improve sleep (see ya later, insomnia). Then, apply an Invigorating Overnight Treatment to do some repair work for you, while you catch some Zzzs.

“When it comes holiday party beauty, your options are endless, but we like to think the most festive look involves luminous skin, glimmering eyes, and a statement lip. Sound like too much? We can assure you it’s not. With the expert guidance of celeb makeup artist Lauren Andersen, you can easily pull off this memorable beauty look. Keep reading for the step-by-step tutorial!

Before

The look calls for radiant skin, so choose a luminous foundation and go easy on the face powder.

Step One: Amber Eye Shadow

Use a small flat brush to press an amber gold eye shadow into your lid.

Apply it all over, and then carry the shadow down along your lower lash line.

At my annual LA Friends Thanksgiving a few weeks ago, one of my friends gently shamed me for wanting to throw out all the bones from our delicious turkey. “You can make bone broth out of them!” she said. What? How would I go about doing that, and why do I want to do it? Also, isn’t that gross?

If you are a New Yorker, standing in line of trendy Brodo restaurant, waiting for your to-go cup of bone broth – you already know what all the hype is about. If you’re just hearing about bone broth for the first time, like me, let me tell you why this magic sustenance will be your favorite go-to brew.

Bone broth is made by slowly cooking bones with small amounts of meat, vegetables and aromatics in a large batch of water. It is similar to stock, but is made over a longer period of time (sometimes upwards of 24 hours), thus allowing the natural ingredients from bones – electrolyte minerals, amino acids, gelatin, collagen, and bone marrow, to leech into the broth.

The first records of bone broth being used, come from the 12th century, when Egyptian physicians prescribed it as a remedy from colds and asthma. Bone broth is easily digested, and when made from organic chicken, contains natural antibiotics. Ever wonder why you crave chicken soup when you’re sick?!

It has been shown that consuming a cup of bone broth a day helps reduce inflammation of stomach lining, thus is a great option for when your tummy is feeling under the weather. On top of that, the readily-available nutrients and amino acids in the broth strengthen your immune system and nourish the body. Many people claim that consuming bone broth on a daily basis helps with allergies and autoimmune diseases. And you did hear that I said bone broth contains gelatin and collagen, right? That means stronger hair and better, more elastic skin, as well as stronger nails and teeth.

I have made bone broth from both the left over turkey bones and from organic beef bones that I bought at my local Whole Foods (who knew they sold those?!). I make sure to get organic, free range chicken, turkey or beef. Everything from the bones gets cooked into your broth, so you want to make sure you are eating a healthy animal. I was afraid the broth would taste a little funky, but I have to say using bones from an already cooked or roasted meat makes for a great taste. If you get raw bones from Whole Foods or your butcher, roast them in the oven at 350F for 30 minutes before putting them in the broth. I prefer making the broth in a slow cooker. That way it can be left alone to do it’s thing, and I don’t have to use my gas stove.

1. Cover the bones and gizzards with water. I use a 5-quart slow cooker, so that’s about 4.5 quarts of water.
2. Add apple cider vinegar, and let sit for 30 minutes. This draws the nutrients out of the bones.
3. Cook on high for about 2 hours, periodically removing the impurities that rise up to the top. When the broth is brought to a boil, change settings to Low, take the gizzards and skin out of the broth. Remove the bones, taking the meat off them, then return them to the pot. Add onion, carrots, celery, peppercorns, bay leaf and garlic, cook on low for 22-24 hours.
4. 30 minutes before finish time, add the parsley to the broth. This adds an extra kick of nutrients to the broth.
5. Strain the broth over a metal mesh strainer, discarding the bones and vegetables. You can add some more salt to taste at this point. Let the broth cool to room temperature. By that time, there should be a layer of fat at the top. Skim the layer off for a fat-free bone broth! Now store in the fridge for up to 6 days, or freeze for later use.

If made correctly, the broth will become gelatinous while in the fridge. I like to drink the broth hot from a cup, with a dash of turmeric. Turmeric is another anti-inflammatory agent, that’s supposed to be fabulous for your health. So far, I have found the broth to be quite filling, I have it as an in between meals snack sometimes. And my agency did say that my skin looked really good. So, what are you waiting for? Go try it!!

While a bold-red lip is always tempting during a season packed with parties, it’s rarely as straightforward as it seems, what with all of the mirror-checking and constant reapplication involved. A smoky eye, its sultry and mysterious counterpart, gets an undeserving reputation for being difficult and intimidating, and can seem unapproachable if you don’t have experience. While no one ever said it was easy, spending time mastering a foolproof technique before the holiday parties are in full swing is well worth the effort. To wit: once you have the basics down, you can create looks with varying degrees of impact, in a variety of shades, and commit to making it a steady, reliable standby.

The beautifully soft and universally flattering stare above is the handiwork of red-carpet makeup artist Mélanie Inglessis, created exclusively for VIOLET GREY. The French artist is sought after, in part, for her ability to create the perfect smoky eye. (Her client roster includes Kate Hudson, Olivia Wilde, Rosamund Pike and Lea Michelle.) Below, her step-by-step technique for building a deep, defined eye without harsh edges, and the products she used to create the party-ready look above.

Step 1: DEFINE
To begin, sketch a soft line on the entire top lash line and around to the outside half of the bottom lash line with Tom Ford’s Defining Eye Pencil in Onyx. Don’t worry about it being precise, as you will blend the color into the shadow shortly. The primary goal is to define the lash line.

Step 2: FEATHER
Lightly dust M.A.C.’s Eye Shadow in Smut over the entire eyelid, and feather it into the crease of the eye. Use minimal product (dip your brush into the shadow, then tap it onto a hard surface to ensure the lightest application), and layer it slowly, using a small shadow brush for precision. (Violet suggests Utowa’s Regular Eyeshadow Brush 10.) The goal is to darken and define the lid and crease. You may clean up any mistakes or powder that falls onto the cheekbones as you go with a cotton swab moistened with face cream or makeup remover.

Step 3: BLEND
Next, add dimension and build out the shape of the eye. Using a blending brush for a diffused application (Violet suggests Bobbi Brown’s Eye Blender Brush), layer the bottom right hue from Tom Ford’s palette over the shadow and liner on the top lid. Continue to add more color to build the shape of the eyes. Switch back to the smaller shadow brush (Violet suggests Utowa’s Regular Eyeshadow Brush 10) and blend the same hue over the liner on the bottom lash line. Remove excess color from the brush with a dry tissue, then blend the top right hue into the inner corners of the eyes and into the liner and darker shadow with the same brush.

Step 4: HIGHLIGHT
Use your ring finger to dab Giorgio Armani’s Eyes To Kill Intense Silk Eyeshadow in No. 6 onto the center of the top lid, close to the lash line, and the inner corners of the eyes. This delivers a shimmery finish that makes the eyes appear wider and brighter. Then gently blend the colors together.

Step 5: ADD MASCARA
Curl the lashes, and apply a thick coat of Tom Ford’s Extreme Mascara in Ravenous Black to the top lashes, pushing the brush into the roots and wiggling it up through the lashes. Then use Bobbi Brown’s Smokey Eye Mascara in Black on the bottom lashes; its smaller-width brush allows for a more precise application on the bottom lashes.